WITH the intention of attracting tourists to Mzansi, the South African government aims to sign a deal worth about R1 billion with football club Tottenham Hotspur FC.
According to a report in the Daily Maverick, the South African government, through its marketing agency SA Tourism, is preparing to sign a deal worth R910 997 814.75 with the club and that deal is proposed for 36 months.
It is alleged that the deal would run from February 2023 to June 2026, with the option to extend for another year.
It is further alleged that SA Tourism would receive media exposure to the value of £277m (or almost R6 billion) in exchange of the investment worth almost R1 billion.
Daily Sun went to the streets of Randburg, Joburg, to ask people what they thought about the deal.
Matlatse Ndlovu (32) said it was a waste of time.
“Anything that has to do with the government bores me at this point. Instead of making such deals, how about they use some of that money to deal with serious problems that this country is facing. A quarter of that billion would change so many people’s lives,” he said.
Rendani Chifuna (36) said the money should be used for developing small businesses.
“There are people who have businesses and work extremely hard. Why don’t they invest that money in individuals like that? There is also plenty of homeless people who are seeking shelter. That money should go towards that in my opinion,” he said.
Some individuals seemed to be warming up to the idea and expressed their excitement.
Thabo Khumalo (30) said he thinks this is a great initiative.
You must be SIGNED IN to read comments
“It makes sense. I think the South African tourism industry needs this. If they are willing to bet on almost a billion rands, chances are they will make a huge profit out of this. They should go for it,” he said.
“The profit that they will be getting will boost the country’s economy, so I’m happy to support them.”
Bonginkosi Radebe (42) said: “I truly understand. Should things work in their favour, they stand to get a huge profit.”
